Combine Results

Grade

4.37 SEC

31 REPS

33.5 INCH

121.0 INCH

6.96 SEC

4.38 SEC

Draft Analysis:

"If this pick had been made two years ago, you would have said it was dynamic and we wouldn't have waited this long to hear his name. But he sat out all of 2011 due to an injury. That's been an issue for him, to stay healthy. He struggled in 2012. Injuries, just no consistency." -- Charles Davis

5'10" Height

29 3/4" Arm Length

227LBS. Weight

8 5/8" Hands

Overview

Injuries have limited Davis since high school, but his talent when healthy is undeniable. He missed the 2011 season with a broken left ankle suffered in August after sitting out most of his junior and senior years in high school with collarbone and right ankle injuries. He then aggravated the ankle and broke his

collarbone in the spring of 2010, but eventually recovered - much to the chagrin of SEC defenses.

He only received 33 carries his freshman year at Fayetteville (163 yards, four TD) and averaged just five totes per game the first month of the 2010 season. Then the floodgates opened due to injuries to others (running back Dennis Johnson, receiver Greg Childs); Davis wound up leading the SEC in rushing with 1,322 yards and 13 scores, including a strong 152-yard performance in the Razorbacks upset of LSU. Conference coaches named first-team All-SEC for his accomplishments.

In his junior year, it was obvious that injuries had taken their toll on Kniles game. He lacked the same speed and power that had had displayed in 2010. Davis spent much of the year overshadowed by his teammate, Dennis Johnson. Davis only registered 112 carries for 377 yards and 2 touchdowns, as Johnson saw the majority of the carries. Davis also did not suit up for two games this season.

Analysis

Strengths

Big-bodied, north-south runner. Has a thick lower-body build and runs with enough forward lean to run through arm tackles. Agile enough to spin off tackles inside and hurdle would-be tacklers in the open field. Can use the strength he builds in the weight room to be a physical pass protector, aware enough to hit multiple targets. Provides some receiving skills as a check-down option over the middle and handling good throws in the flat. Tested very well in all combine drills.

Weaknesses

Has a long injury history, missing time or playing hurt in every season of his college career, in addition to the final two years of his of his high school career. Runs a bit top-heavy, gets tripped up easily in space, especially before he gets his head of steam. Inconsistent taking on tacklers at the second level, will try to run around them instead of using his strength. Inconsistent protecting his quarterback, resorts to (and misses) cut blocks. Lack of hip flexibility hurts his ability to adjust to poor throws as a receiver. Was unable to display adequate foot quickness in his final season. Despite workout speed, he rarely shows it on the field.

NFL Comparison

Shonn Greene

Bottom Line

Davis is a bruising back who has struggled with injuries since high school, lost his entire 2011 season due to a broken ankle, and failed to look like the same player in 2012 as he was in 2010. In Indianapolis, Davis put together one of the best workouts of any prospect at the position, so a team might grow fond of his athletic upside. His power and burst in the open field make him tough to stop when all his parts are in working order; but this has proved to be a struggle for Davis.

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Grade

Title

Draft (Round)

Description

96-100

Future Hall of Famer

Top Pick

A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played

85-95

Immediate Starter

1st

An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).

70-84

Eventual Starter

2nd-3rd

A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.

50-69

Draftable Player

4th-7th

A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.

20-49

Free Agent

UDFA

A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.